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Sen. Gaetz Objects to New Office for Citizens Insurance
09/25/08 - 02:23 PM
Office of Senator Don Gaetz
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click for larger image Tallahassee, Fla:

Dear Chairman Malone,

From time to time it is customary for organizations to review their space needs and make cost-effective decisions about housing personnel and systems.  There’s certainly nothing wrong with that kind of analysis.  Here in Northwest Florida, many companies are downsizing, consolidating and otherwise reducing space and infrastructure as a way to control costs and survive during these tough times.

As an involuntary Citizens policyholder and member of the Senate Banking and Insurance Committee, I was surprised to learn that Citizens Property Insurance Corporation is currently planning to lease or have built-to-suit a new 100,000 square foot office facility in Tallahassee.  The sheer size, scope and expense of such an undertaking is extraordinary, particularly given the economic conditions facing those who pay Citizens premiums and directly and indirectly support Citizens through surcharges on other policies. 

I am further advised that the amenities under consideration for this vast facility include a fitness center, restaurant and concierge services.  While I can understand the comfort and convenience which would be available to Citizens executives and employees, I question the wisdom of spending Floridians’ dollars for what would seem to be non-essential luxuries. 

Mr. Malone, yesterday I stopped by a local pizza restaurant to pick up some food to take home to my family.  The lady who waited on me is someone I’ve known for years.  But now she is working two jobs because of the high cost of property ownership, including being, like me, an involuntary customer of Citizens.  She told me she is willing to work all day at her regular job and in the evening waiting tables because she loves her modest home.  But, she explained, it’s a week to week, month to month struggle. 

I daresay my friend who works two jobs is not atypical of Floridians who might be confused or even angered at Citizens’ reported plans for new, expansive, expensive offices.  This is not a time for government or government-sponsored entities like Citizens to spend a single unnecessary dollar.

The Florida Legislature has made mistakes and I’m sure my fingerprints are on many of those committed in the last two years.  Still, if the reports I have received are at all accurate, I hope you will reconsider what would be a serious error and an indefensible value judgment.  If, however, Citizens goes forward with anything resembling the proposed offices and amenities, I hope you will prepare to appear before the Banking and Insurance Committee of the Senate to offer your explanation.

Notwithstanding my concerns as expressed, please accept my thanks for the information and assistance which your team has provided to our team in our Senate office as we have attempted to answer questions for our constituents.

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